It is conferred in the single grade of Knight Grand Commander (D.U.N.M.).

As the sovereign, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri bestows the order upon other eminent individuals including the Yang di-Pertua Negeris of Sabah, Sarawak and Penang, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers and the Chief Minister of Malacca when deemed appropriate.

The Premier and Exalted Order of Malacca is conferred in the sole grade of Knight Grand Commander.

All recipients of the order are entitled to bear the honorific prefix of "Datuk Seri Utama" while the wives of the male recipients are titled as "Datin Seri Utama".

The insignia comprises the riband of the order, a badge, a star and the collar.